State-Carolina: One game DOES a season make

     It has been said, by many wise men not in a position of truth, that one game does not a season make. But, this week, for Wolfpack fans, a win by N.C. State over its arch-rival, North Carolina, will go a long way of healing a dismal and trying season of football.

     Fans of the light (and dark) Carolina blue might quickly say that Duke is their rival, not N.C. State. But, this week, the Tar Heels must play as if it’s the ultimate rivalry game, especially with a chance to gain a sixth win and a bowl game trip in late December.

     The two teams meet in Raleigh’s Carter-Finley Stadium Saturday evening for the 108th time. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. The game will be televised nationwide on ACCN.

     Except for the game with UNC, the Wolfpack’s season appeared over a few weeks ago, if not for sure last Thursday at Georgia Tech. With a conference record of 1-6 and an overall mark of 4-7, the game Saturday is N.C. State’s senior day, its season-ender, and its bowl game all wrapped into one neat package.

     Many Wolfpack fans proclaim year in and year out State could be 1-11 and claim success if the one victory came at the demise of the Tar Heels. An 11-1 record with a loss to Carolina would be devastating, especially if the defeat to UNC was the season’s last game, even with a berth in the ACC title game and a trip to the Orange Bowl already established.

     The Tar Heels don’t feel the same, but, this year, with neither team showing superlative skills, adding a win, especially because of the opponent is important to both.

     Outwardly, the Tar Heels don’t look at a game with N.C. State any more important than any other game that a win would make the team bowl eligible. It’s just another game for Carolina; the Wolfpack happens to be the opponent.

     Saturday, N.C. State fans will say, is a chance for the Wolfpack to get three victories in one: a win over Carolina, a loss by the Tar Heels, and a stop to bowl game talk by UNC in a season where its current 5-6 record feels to be light years ahead of the Wolfpack’s season.

     Fans of the Tar Heels will point to history with its lopsided winning mark in the series that started in 1894 with 65 wins to the Wolfpack’s 36. There have been six ties.

     However, after not meeting in 1952, the two have played every year since the formation of the Atlantic Coast Conference and the record is much closer with North Carolina ahead 34-31.

     N.C. State would like to close that gap, starting Saturday. UNC would like to extend the difference, get a sixth victory for the year, and be rewarded with a bowl game.

     Yes, it has been said that one game does not a season make. Make no mistake. This is a rivalry game for both schools. It’s about bragging rights; it’s about recruiting in North Carolina. It’s about going to a bowl or being the spoiler to prevent it.

     The record books are tossed. The jawing continues. Kickoff can’t come soon enough. This game DOES and WILL a season make, one way or another.